Omicron Scare In India: 2 South Africa Returnees Test COVID Positive In Bengaluru

Picture courtesy www.apherald.com

Bengaluru: Has India already imported the new and more dangerous COVID-19 variant Omicron?

In a worrying development, two South African nationals have tested positive for coronavirus in Bengaluru. Their samples have been sent for further tests to ascertain the nature and variant of the virus, PTI reported.

According to Bengaluru Rural Deputy Commissioner K Srinivas, 94 persons have arrived in the state from South Africa this month (November 1 to 26), of whom two have tested positive for regular COVID-19.

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Srinivas, under whose jurisdiction Kempegowda International Airport falls, told newspersons that both infected persons have been quarantined and are being monitored by health authorities as their samples have been sent for more tests.

“So people need not worry,” he added, though his assurance is hardly comforting till the duo’s test show that they are not infected by Omicron variant.

India is on alert since World Health Organization (WHO) classified Omicron (B.1.1.529) as a “variant of concern”, with all travellers from any international destination to be governed by directions of the Central government while all domestic travellers have to be fully vaccinated or carry RT-PCR test valid for 72 hours.

Also Read: Will Covaxin, Covishield Be Effective Against Omicron Variant?